Gotta agree with Clutch. I'm not concerned with his offensive production. Melo, who I regard as the most complete scorer in the game, is struggling at times offensively. It's to be expected given the nature of this unorthodox schedule coupled with the fact that he was rehabbing most of the summer.

That being said, I simply can't endure his lack of effort. It pisses me off when people automatically lump him and Melo together. That's just based on listening to what other "experts" are saying and not actually watching the games yourself to formulate an opinion. If you watch the games you know... Melo plays D. Is he a terrific defender? No. Does he have lapses? Absolutely. But the effort has been there all year long. Amare however seems to not even care on D. Not on ball. Not help. Not pick and roll. He's completely uninterested in participating in any form or portion of the defensive end. Now I've defended him numerous times when I thought some of you were being too kneejerk. However, I pride myself on being honest and fair, even if it's harsh. Most of you who've been posting here for a while know I use the term "call a spade a spade". So I'm doing just that. Amare is a lazy MF. His defensive effort on a NIGHTLY basis is unacceptable!

He's a great player when he tries. It was obvious that today he gave a much better effort to redeem himself for the fire extinguisher incident.

He was finishing strong,rebounding and defending. Usually you don't see all that from him. He was trying to prove something.

I agree he needs to get more touches,especially with Melo being guarded well in this series. Amare should be able to abuse Bosh/Haslem/Anthony.

This.

Mike Breen kept saying "He's efficient if he would just get the ball. He's been scoring all game." Dummy! He was in foul trouble. When he was in the game, him and Melo were playing well together IMO I think him and chandler have the tougher time blending if you ask me.